'House M.D.' Season 5 on DVD

The reviews are variable for Season 5 of House, M.D., which was recently released on DVD. Whether viewers enjoyed Season 5 or not, viewers of the show concur that it was different. For example, Cameron and Chase were not featured as regularly, and some viewers believed that the season was more melodramatic than earlier seasons.

Viewers that enjoyed Season 5 say that the episodes connect with the audience better than in earlier shows, and that the audience learns more about how House's is affected by his personal demons. The overriding sentiment is that if Hugh Laurie is in the series it will continue to be a complex, smart television show. Even doctors who watch House, M.D. say that in spite of its over-the-top presentation, the series is very engrossing and does give the viewers an idea of the emotions a physician experiences when trying to make a difficult diagnosis.

Viewers who were a little disappointed by House M.D. Season 5 say that the writing varies in quality: the season commences strongly, goes through some boring episodes mid-season, then gets better during the remainder of the season. An element that did not entertain many fans was what they saw as a blatant and hokey way of hinting at a P.I. spinoff prlogram by making use of a character that was not pertinent to the show. Other objections were that the storylines were less compelling and that uneven writing prompted House's trademark biting observations to cross the line into unwarranted shock value occasionally.

The 24 shows making up Season 5 allow non-work and workplace boundaries to shift repeatedly among the main characters. Guest appearances in Season 5 include eljko Ivanek, Mos Def, and Carl Reiner. The DVD collection includes extras covering changes in Dr. Cuddy's life, how an episode is cast, and the level of veracity in the stories. The DVD set also contains a 100th episode appreciation, and comments for the show about the patient with the "locked-in syndrome."

Between those viewers who really liked Season 5 and those who were more critical, the vast majority report they still like the show very much and are happily awaiting House, M.D., Season 6.